"Why, Demond, you are healthy now.
Your dress is neat and clean.
I never sees you drunk about.
Pray tell me, how came this happy change?
Your wife and children all are well;
You used to treat them strange.
Oh, you are kinder to them now;
How came this happy change?"

"It was a dream, a warning voice,
That Heaven sent to me,
That snatched me from a drunkard's curse,
Grim want and misery.
My wages was all spent in drink--
Oh, what a wretched view.
I almost broke my Mary's heart
And starved my children, too.

"I dreamed once more I staggered home;
There seemed a solemn gloom.
I miss my wife; where could she be?
And strangers in the room?
I heard them say, 'Poor thing, she's dead!
She's lived a wretched life.
Grief and want has broken her heart;
She's been a drunkard's wife.'

"My children, too, were crying 'round.
I scarcely drew my breath.
I called her and kissed her once sweet lips,
Forever still in death.
Oh, Mary, speak one word to me,
I'll never give you pain.
I'll never grieve your loving heart,
Nor never drink again."

"Oh, speak to me, it's Demond's call.
'Why, so I do,' she cried.
I woke and true my Mary dear
Was kneeling by my side.
I pressed her to my loving heart,
While joyful tears did stream.
And ever since I've Heaven blessed
For sending me that dream."